NEXT PHASE OF MANITOBA WIND STRATEGY TO POWER 100,000 HOMES: CHOMIAK
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Request for Proposals for 300 Megawatts of Wind Power To be Released This Winter

Manitoba is taking a major stride forward in its wind power
strategy with the development of another 300 megawatts of wind, or enough to
power more than 100,000 homes, Energy, Science and Technology Minister Dave
Chomiak announced today.

“This is the next significant step toward our commitment to
harvest 1,000 megawatts of Manitoba wind power over the next decade,” Chomiak
said. “Made-in-Manitoba wind power is not only environmentally sound, it
diversifies our power supply and provides substantial economic benefits to the
entire province.”

Today’s announcement follows a process that concluded in
February in which the Manitoba government and Manitoba Hydro called for
expressions of interest in Manitoba wind development. Over 40 responses were
received from wind developers, First Nations, communities, turbine manufacturers
and consultants – a strong signal that Manitoba will meet its 1,000-megawatt
target, Chomiak said.

As the next step, Manitoba Hydro will issue a request for
proposals this winter for new wind projects totalling 300 megawatts. Actual
construction of new projects could begin as early as 2007-08.

“Manitoba Hydro can use its hydro system to help accommodate
the intermittent nature of wind and use its interconnections to move it to
customers in the export market,” said Bob Brennan, president and CEO of Manitoba
Hydro. “This will add to the diversity of the Manitoba Hydro system, and
landowners and municipalities will benefit through new revenues.”

In addition to the 300 megawatts announced today, three
further allocations of 200 megawatts each are currently targeted for 2013-14,
2015-16, and 2017-18, based on economic viability. Manitoba’s 1,000-megawatt
wind strategy is expected to generate $2 billion in investment, $100 million in
wind-rights payments to landowners and $150 million in property taxes to local
municipalities.

Future phases of Manitoba’s wind strategy will include
smaller, community-based wind projects where individuals such as farm producers
or other community groups can sell power back into the energy grid.

“We are committed to reaping the benefits of wind as a clean,
locally-based, renewable-energy source for the entire province,” Chomiak said.
“Developing wind energy in Manitoba creates economic opportunities for our rural
communities, First Nations, construction firms and advanced manufacturing
suppliers, as well as offering new and exciting employment opportunities for our
young people. Like hydro-electricity, wind energy is renewable and helps to
preserve the environment for future generations.”

Today’s announcement of the next steps in Manitoba’s wind
strategy builds on the 99-megawatt wind farm at St. Leon which is now in full
operation. The 63 wind turbines at St. Leon have become a Manitoba tourism
hotspot, attracting visitors eager to see the giant towers that boast blades
longer than the wingspan of a 747 aircraft. The $210-million project will result
in $100 million in operational expenditures, $30 million in provincial and
municipal taxes and $9 million in local landholder payments over the life of the
project.

Next month, Manitoba will welcome more than 1,000 delegates
to the national Canadian Wind Energy Association Conference, the largest event
in the organization’s history. The conference will be held at the Winnipeg
Convention Centre Oct. 22 to 25.